My Neighborhood: List#2

Okay.  There are still 7 more days until my lease officially ends at my Polk Street neighborhood place, but I'm planning to be completely packed and moved this Sunday.  THIS Sunday.  So really, it's only 3 more days...

Time for another Neighborhood List (since I can still now officially call it my 'hood)!

1. Polkers: Although they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I think of it mainly as a breakfast place.  The menu is not unique and has very simple ingredients, but it never fails to hit the spot.  I usually get the Denver Omelet, which I consider my side because I focus on their potatoes which are cooked to perfection every time.  I consider ordering just a side of potatoes for my entire breakfast each time I go, but I don't, for fear of judgement. 
2. Russian Hill Bookstore:  I've never purchased a book here, but I have purchased countless cards.  They have such a wide variety and a nice selection of letterpressed ones.  I come here when I need a card, and even when just browsing (often when waiting for a table at Polker's, which is right next door), find a reason for sending one.
3. Eclipse Hair Salon:  Gary and his team are fantastic.  And fantastically fast.  I can be in and out with a fresh new haircut in 30 minutes (including wash, cut, and style).  Do not think that they are being rushy rushy or cutting (ha!) corners, they are just that good.  He does compliment himself as he's cutting my hair, "Wow... this is so good.  Wonderful.  Just wonderful." and as I get up to leave and say thank you to him, he says, "Yes, you're welcome. That is a great haircut.  Really, very good."  But hey, he lives up to his own hype!
4. Starbucks:  Yes, I know.  This is a (rather gigantic) chain.  But the one on Polk and Vallejo feels like a family joint.  I used to go everyday since I walked right passed it on my way to my (former) office so they knew my name and drink (tall coffee in a grande cup), but even now, when I go mayyybe once a month on the weekends, they still remember!  It makes me feel special.  :)
5. Smoke Signals:  Isn't that a cute name for a newsstand?!  They carry newspapers and magazines from more (wayyy more) countries than I can name which came in very handy during my slight obsession with the royal wedding when I would go in to stock up on Hello! and OK! magazines.  And I did cave and got this a few times too.  To people in this neighborhood:  Please come and support this place for your newspaper and magazine needs.

Reading the Sunday (SF) Chronicle (from Smoke Signals) while waiting for breakfast at Polkers.

Local coffee place.